Farmer re-iterates free land offer

Published:19:35Tuesday 04 December 2012

AN ELLON farmer who offered millions of pounds worth of land to the local authority for building Ellon’s new academy has confirmed that his offer still stands.

Stuart Davidson, who farms land at Balmacassie, originally made the offer before the final location for the school had been confirmed. In the event, planners and councillors decided to build the school at Cromleybank, on the south side of the Ythan, in preference to construction north of the river.

Earlier this week, the farmer wrote to local councillors to say that his offer was still on the table.

Speaking for Mr Davidson’s agents Knight Frank, spokesman Gary Purves said: “The council’s plan is to build new housing and a replacement academy to the south of the town. A fundamental part of this is the provision of a new road bridge over the Ythan River, but the river crossing could be difficult to deliver, not least because it will cost millions of pounds to build.

“On the other hand, the land to the north of Ellon is immediately available and can be developed without any major upfront infrastructure.”

Stuart Davidson said: “My family have lived and farmed the land around Ellon for generations and ultimately I want what’s best for the town. If the council decides to look at alternative options for the new academy then I would be more than willing to discuss this.”